The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-10-26
RnilrOad Matters. :

1t having been rumored on the streets that
the narrow gauge engine-house was about to
be removed to Lawton, and other changes
made that would be detrimental to the in
terests of this place, a meeting of onr busi-
ness men was called on Thursday morning
last to talk over and investigate the matter.
At this meeting, W. j. Sellck, A. Hathaway
and Jay Cummings were appointed com
nittee TO interview Supt. Ihling and to report
at an adjourned meeting to be held on Thurs
day evening.
large number of our citizens we're pres
ent to listen to the report. The committee
stated that an interview had been had with
Mr.. Ihling and that he seemed disposed to
do what was fair for the interests of our
people both III reference to passenger fares
and freight charges as we'll as in the matter
of the removal of the buildings; that they
were given TO understand that no such re-
moval would be made; that the probabilities
were that fifteen cent rate Of fare would
soon be established between this place and
Lawton, and that, in view of the shortness of
the haul, they did not think freight rates had
been, as a rule, exorbitant.
Considerable discussion followed, the pre-
vailing sentiment seeming to be that, in the
matter of freight rates, the interests of this
| place would be best suoserved by concessions
on outgoing rather than on incoming ship
ments.
Resolutions expressive of the sense of the
meeting, asking certain freight rates. a fifteen
cent rate of fare between this village and
Lawton, and that a new engine house, If
built, be built at Paw Paw, were discussed
and adopted.
| The NoRTHEaNER trusts that all these mat
ters may be amicably and satisfactorily
arranged between our people and the man.
ayers of the railroad. No doubt, many un-
founded complaints have been made against
the company but, on the other hand where
| there is SO much smoke there must be some
fire, and there has doubtless been just cause
for the feeling that our shippers have not
always been treated fairly. Certainly, it is
for the best interests of all parties that feir
understanding should be had and that all
real grievances should be removed. No sta
ton on the line furnishes as much business
to the road as does Paw Paw no other place
has given the road so much pecuniary aid !:
the interests of the company and of this vii
lage are Identical. and the prosperity of the
one Is closely linked with the welfare of the
other.
Subsequent to the time the foregoing was
put in type another committee, duly appoint
ed, consisting of w. j. Sellick, G. w. Young
and G. w. Longwell have had two separate
interviews with Mr.. Ihling, who seemed
anxious to do anything and everything in his
power for the advancement of the interests of
this place and who assured the committee that
both himself and Mr.. Clark, president of the
road, were aware that whatever tended to
build up Paw Paw also tended to enhance
the business of the railroad and that they
should spare no effort to render aid to the
town, that lay in their power.
The result of the conferences, as we under
stand the matter, was that the passenger rate
between here and Lawton will probably be
reduced to fifteen cents and that the new
engine house will be erected in this place.
Mr.. Ihling showed his books to the COM
mittee and explained, quite satisfactorily we
think-and we were present-that the COM
pany could not, with its present volume of
business, afford to reduce the present rate
of freights which, under the circumstances,
does not appear unreasonable.
On the whole, the talk with Mr.. Ihling and
the result of the interviews had with him can
but lead to better state of feeling among
our people toward the road and its manage
ment.